Measuring apparatus and method for capsules

ABSTRACT

There are disclosed a measuring apparatus and method for measuring the pull-off force of a frangible arrangement connecting a capsule with a tamper evident band of closed annular shape, with an annular ridge that axially retains the tamper evident band, a pusher device that pushes the capsule so as to cause the breakage of the frangible arrangement, a sensor arrangement to detect the tensile force applied by the pusher device, and a lifting and abutting device arranged for supply the capsule to the annular ridge. 
     There are further disclosed a band disengagement arrangement for disengaging the tamper evident band from the annular ridge after the breakage of the frangible arrangement, yet maintaining intact the closed annular shape of the tamper evident band.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of Italian Patent Application Nos.IT02020000011038 filed on May 14, 2020 and IT102020000032168 filed onDec. 23, 2020. The entire content of these applications is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a measuring apparatus and method for measuringthe pull-off force of connecting elements of a capsule or a closure,specifically of capsules or closures made of plastic material of thekind used for closing containers such as bottles, for example.

Specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a measuringapparatus and method for measuring the pull-off force of connectingelements arranged for connecting portions of a side wall of the capsuleto portions of a tamper evident band, or safety ring, with which thecapsule is provided. Specifically, the connecting elements comprisebridge elements, or bridges, namely elements made of plastic materialintended for being fractured by a user during a first opening of thecontainer with the capsule applied thereon, so as to provide evidence ofthe tampering of the container closure, and/or at least one tetherelement, which by contrast enables to retain the capsule on its tamperevident band even after the container has been opened.

Measuring apparatuses for measuring the pull-off force of bridgeelements are known that subject the capsule to a stress applied to anend wall of the capsule, substantially perpendicularly thereto.

Such measuring apparatuses comprise a detecting unit for the pull-offforce of the bridge elements, provided with a tubular element with anannular ridge obtained on its outer surface, to which retaining elementsof the tamper evident band of the capsule may be connected.

The tubular element provided with the annular ridge simulates the neckof the container, which in use is engaged by the capsule, so as to closethe container. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body defined by theside wall and by the end wall extending transversely with respect to theside wall. The side wall is provided with a closed end arranged at theend wall, and with an open end opposite to the closed end.

In use, the tubular element is axially movable for approaching a restingplane of the measuring apparatus, onto which the capsule is arrangedwith the open end facing upwards, until the retaining elements engagethe ridge. As such, the capsule is retained on the tubular element.

After that, the tubular element is moved away from the resting plane,and a substantially cylinder-shaped piston, with which the detectingunit is provided, slidable within the tubular element, pushes downwards,namely towards the resting plane, a bottom surface of the end wall ofthe capsule until the bridges break. In other words, the piston isarranged to apply a normal stress to at least a portion of the bottomsurface of the end wall, along a direction substantially perpendicularto, and especially coinciding with, a longitudinal axis of the capsule.A load cell is associated with the piston to detect the axial forceapplied by the latter to the bottom surface of the end wall, dependingon its movement towards the resting plane. Such axial force translatesinto a tensile stress applied to bridge elements.

However, known-type apparatuses for measuring the pull-off force ofconnecting elements of a capsule have some limits and drawbacks.

Indeed, known-type apparatuses for measuring the pull-off force ofconnecting elements of a capsule may be used only to determine thepull-off force of the bridge elements, but not that of the tetherelements, as well. Indeed, when all bridge elements of the capsule arebroken, the side wall tilts with respect to the longitudinal axis of thecapsule (when mounted on the tubular element), along which the forceapplied by the piston is directed, and at least one portion of thetamper evident band remains attached to at least one portion of the sidewall by means of at least one tether element. As such, the piston failsto subject the at least one tether element, remained attached to theside wall, on one side, and to the tamper evident band, on the otherside, to a tensile stress, because there is no abutting surface againstwhich the piston may stop to exert a mechanical stress, and to subjectthe at least one tether element to a strain.

Moreover, the force measurements detected by the known-type apparatusesfor measuring the pull-off force of connecting elements of a capsuleturn out to be poorly reliable, as some bridge elements may not besubjected to a tensile force since no strain is applied thereto. Indeed,though the piston applies a uniform force to, and at the center of, thebottom surface of the end wall, not all bridge elements may break, butonly a part thereof. This implies the risk that the capsule might tiltwith respect to the longitudinal axis of the capsule, along which theforce applied by the piston is directed, and that the piston mightcontinue its stroke without abutting against the capsule due to thetilting thereof.

As a result, some bridge elements may undergo no stress, the measurementof the detected pull-off force thus turning out to be inaccurate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a measuring apparatus and/ormethod that obviates one or more of the aforesaid prior art drawbacks.

It is another object of the invention to provide a measuring apparatusand/or method that obtains an accurate measurement of the force appliedto the connecting elements of the capsule to be tested.

It is a further object to provide a measuring apparatus and/or methodfor measuring the values of a force applied to the connecting elementsof a capsule, that are highly versatile as they may be employed to testthe breakage of both bridge elements and tether elements, with which thecapsule may be provided.

It is yet another object to provide a measuring apparatus that may beemployed both as a laboratory apparatus, namely detached from a capsuleprocessing line, and in line, namely as an apparatus connected to aportion of the capsule processing line, at a section for the passage ofcapsules, from which a capsule may be picked up for testing in themeasuring apparatus according to the invention.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a measuringapparatus that may be easily installed in a pre-existing processing lineof the capsules without needing to make substantial changes to theprocessing line itself.

It is another object to obtain a versatile measuring method that allowsto use the detected force values to assess the quality of the tamperevident band, and, as a consequence, to make modifications to theworking parameters of the processing line.

It is an object of the invention to provide a measuring apparatus and/ormethod for capsules with tamper evident band, that allows to easilyremove the tamper evident band after the breakage of the frangiblearrangement.

According to the invention, there are provided an apparatus and a methodfor measuring the pull-off force of connecting elements of a capsule, asdefined by the attached claims.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a measuring apparatusthat guarantees a correct measurement of the axial force applied to acapsule by a pusher device to measure the pull-off force of theconnecting elements of the capsule. Indeed, the measuring apparatusaccording to the invention comprises an abutting surface arranged tointeract with an outer surface of the end wall of the capsule, such thatduring the application of the axial force, the capsule is prevented fromheeling over, namely from making a rotation with respect to an axis thatis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pusher device,such rotation impeding the breakage of at least part of the connectingelements of the capsule.

Moreover, owing to the measuring apparatus according to the invention,it is possible to measure the pull-off force of both the bridge elementsand the tether elements of a capsule.

Still, the measuring apparatus according to the invention may be usedboth in stand-alone fashion, as a laboratory testing apparatus, namelydetached from a capsule processing line, and in line, namely as anapparatus connected to a portion of the capsule processing line,arranged downstream of a cutting apparatus, or knife, that makes theconnecting elements of the capsule. Especially, the measuring apparatuscomprises a cap supplying guide that connects to a section of theprocessing line along which there is the passage of the capsules that,in use, are deviated, especially on a sample basis, by means of adeviating device, towards the supplying guide that conveys the deviatedcapsule to the measuring apparatus.

Moreover, the measuring apparatus according to the invention may beeasily installed in pre-existing capsule processing lines withoutneeding to make substantial changes to the processing line itself.

Moreover, in an example of measuring apparatus according to theinvention, it is possible to provide a measuring apparatus for measuringthe pull-off force of the connecting elements of a capsule, which allowsfor a rotation of the capsule around its longitudinal axis, such that avision system may detect features of the tamper evident band and/or ofthe connecting elements, such as a size of the bridge elements, anangular distribution of the bridge elements, a regularity of the cutmade by a knife, intended for forming the tamper evident band, or safetyring, of the capsule.

Moreover, rotating the capsule to be subjected to a strain allows forits angular orientation, namely for its phasing, according to a positionof a reference element of the capsule, e.g., a connecting element suchas the at least one tether element.

Owing to the measuring method according to the invention, force valuescan be detected in a highly reliable manner; moreover, the measuringmethod according to the invention allows to use the detected forcevalues to assess the quality of the tamper evident band. Indeed, byanalyzing the detected force values it is possible to determine whetherthe knife, that cuts the side wall of the capsules to obtain the bridgeelements (and thus the tamper evident band) on such side wall, and oneor more of the tether elements, is worn and needs replacement ormaintenance.

In an example of a second aspect of the invention, a measuring apparatuscomprises an annular ridge that axially retains a tamper evident band ofa capsule, a pusher device that pushes the capsule so as to cause thebreakage of a frangible arrangement connecting the tamper evident bandwith the capsule; a sensor arrangement to detect the pull-off forceapplied by the pusher device; and a band disengagement arrangement fordisengaging the tamper evident band from the annular ridge after thebreakage of the frangible arrangement, yet maintaining intact the closedannular shape of the tamper evident band, especially by pushing the bandradially outwards by means of a radial thrust element and/or by causingan inward collapsing of the annular ridge, after the breakage of thefrangible arrangement.

Some examples relating to the second aspect of the invention aredescribed below.

Example 1

In the Example 1, the measuring apparatus comprises:

-   -   a tubular element with a vertical axis;    -   an axial thrust element axially movable inside said tubular        element and configured to push downwards a capsule provided with        a frangible arrangement which connects the capsule with a tamper        evident band of closed annular shape in order to cause breakage        of the frangible arrangement;    -   an annular ridge which projects radially from said tubular        element and which comprises at least one reaction surface        configured to axially hold the tamper evident band when said        axial thrust element pushes downwards the capsule to cause said        breakage, said reaction surface being extended in a        circumferential direction and comprising an external diameter        greater than an internal diameter of the tamper evident band;    -   a sensor arrangement configured to detect at least one force        exerted by said axial thrust element on the capsule;    -   a band disengagement arrangement configured to cause at least        one relative movement between said annular ridge and the tamper        evident band after said breakage, said relative movement        comprising a radial widening of the tamper evident band and/or a        radial collapse of said annular ridge, whereby, due to the        effect of said relative movement, the tamper evident band        remains intact, i.e. of closed annular shape, with an internal        diameter of the tamper evident band greater than an external        diameter of said annular ridge to allow the disengagement of the        tamper evident band.

Example 2

The Example 2 is an apparatus according to the Example 1, wherein saidband disengagement arrangement comprises a radial thrust portionconfigured to radially widen outwards the tamper evident band.

Example 3

The Example 3 is an apparatus according to the Example 2, wherein saidradial thrust portion is movable so as to assume at least one firstcontracted configuration, in which said radial thrust portion isarranged radially inside said reaction surface, and at least one secondexpanded configuration, in which said radial thrust portion is displacedradially outward with respect to said first configuration to radiallypush and remove the tamper evident band beyond said annular ridge.

Example 4

The Example 4 is an apparatus according to the Example 3, comprising atleast one actuator configured to drive a movement of said radial thrustportion between said first configuration and said second configuration.

Example 5

The Example 5 is an apparatus according to any one of Examples 2 to 4,wherein said radial thrust portion comprises two or more sectors,arranged along a circumference, each of which can be moved in a radialdirection.

Example 6

The Example 6 is an apparatus according to any one of Examples 2 to 5,wherein said radial thrust portion comprises an internal profileconfigured for contact with an external counter profile of said axialthrust element in a manner that an upward motion of said axial thrustelement causes a radial thrust outwardly of said radial thrust portionby effect of said contact between said internal profile and saidexternal counter profile.

Example 7

The Example 7 is an apparatus according to the Example 6, wherein saidinternal profile is arranged on one end of one or more elastic elementsconfigured to return elastically to rest towards said firstconfiguration.

Example 8

The Example 8 is an apparatus according to the Example 7, wherein saidinternal profile is arranged on a lower end of a circumferentialarrangement of said elastic elements around said vertical axis, each ofsaid elastic elements comprising an element that is elongated in theaxial direction.

Example 9

The Example 9 is an apparatus according to the Example 7 or 8, whereineach of said one or more elastic elements comprises a portion of saidtubular element defined on two sides by two through openings or notchesin said tubular element.

Example 10

The Example 10 is an apparatus according to any one of Examples 2 to 9,wherein said radial thrust portion comprises a thrust profile attachedto, and protruding radially from, said axial thrust element, said thrustprofile being configured in such a way as to radially widen outwards thetamper evident band by effect of a downward movement of said axialthrust element, said thrust profile being inserted into one or morevertical slots made in said tubular element; said thrust profilecomprising, in particular, at least one circumferentially arrangedthrust surface of an inverted flared shape, that is, wider towards thetop.

Example 11

The Example 11 is an apparatus according to the Example 10, wherein saidthrust profile comprises a plurality of distinct profile portions, withcircumferential arrangement, each of which is inserted in a respectiveslot.

Example 12

The Example 12 is an apparatus according to any one of the Examples 1 to11, wherein said band disengagement arrangement comprises a collapsibleportion of said tubular element, said annular ridge being arranged onsaid collapsible portion, said collapsible portion being capable ofassuming an expanded retention configuration, in which said annularridge can axially retain the tamper evident band, and a collapsedrelease configuration, in which said annular ridge collapses radiallyinwardly with respect to said expanded retention configuration and canrelease the tamper evident band, said collapsible portion beingconfigured to assume said collapsed release configuration after saidaxial thrust element has caused said breakage of the frangiblearrangement.

Example 13

The Example 13 is an apparatus according to the Example 12, wherein saidcollapsible portion comprises one or more longitudinal elastic elementsextending vertically in length, each of said one or more elasticelements being configured to rest in said collapsed releaseconfiguration, said apparatus comprising an abutment arrangementarranged to maintain said one or more elastic elements in said expandedretention configuration while said axial thrust element pushes thecapsule downwards.

Example 14

The Example 14 is an apparatus according to the Example 13, wherein saidabutment arrangement comprises said axial thrust element which cansequentially assume an intermediate position, a lower position and anupper position; in said intermediate position said axial thrust elementopposes said one or more elastic elements to keep them in said expandedretention configuration and allows a lifting of the capsule to engagethe tamper evident band in said annular ridge; in said lower positionsaid axial thrust element opposes said one or more elastic elements tokeep them in said expanded retention configuration after having pushedthe capsule downwards; in said upper position said axial thrust elementleaves said one or more elastic elements free to collapse in restposition towards said collapsed release configuration.

Example 15

The Example 15 is an apparatus according to any one of the Examples 1 to14, comprising:

-   -   a lifting element configured to transport the capsule at least        from a lower position, in which the capsule is distant from said        annular ridge, to an upper position, in which the tamper evident        band of the capsule has passed said annular ridge and can be        axially retained by it; and/or    -   an axial thrust portion configured to axially thrust the tamper        evident band downwards after said band disengagement arrangement        has caused said relative movement between annular ridge and        tamper evident band.

Examples 16

The Example 16 is a measuring method, comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing a capsule with a closed annular shaped tamper evident        band;    -   engaging said tamper evident band with an annular ridge;    -   pushing the capsule with said tamper evident band engaged with        said annular ridge to cause a breakage of a frangible        arrangement which connects the capsule with the tamper evident        band;    -   detecting at least one force impressed on the capsule to cause        said breakage of the frangible arrangement;    -   after said breakage, causing at least one relative movement        between said annular ridge and the tamper evident band, said        relative movement comprising a radial widening of the tamper        evident band and/or a radial collapse of said annular ridge,        whereby, due to the effect of said relative movement, the tamper        evident band can be removed out of said annular ridge remaining        of closed annular shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference tothe attached drawings, which show some embodiments thereof by way ofnon-limiting examples, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a measuring apparatusimplemented according to the present invention, illustrating a frontpart of the measuring apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the measuring apparatus in FIG.1, showing a rear part of the measuring apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the measuring apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section of the measuring apparatus in FIG. 1, taken alongthe vertical section plane IV-IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4a shows an enlarged detail T in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 shows a still further perspective view of the measuring apparatusin FIG. 1, with a cover removed to show a force detection unit of themeasuring apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6-8 are sectional views of a portion of the force detection unit,according to a first exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus,and of a capsule subjected to a tensile force to measure the pull-offforce of connecting elements of the capsule, such views showing steps ofa first exemplary sequence for detecting the pull-off force of theconnecting elements;

FIGS. 9-10 are sectional views of a portion of the force detection unit,according to a second exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus,of a capsule subjected to a tensile force to measure the pull-off forceof connecting elements of the capsule, and of a vision system adapted todetect features of the capsule, such views showing steps of a secondexemplary sequence for detecting the pull-off force of the connectingelements;

FIG. 11 shows an image of a tamper evident band of a capsule, acquiredthrough the vision system of FIGS. 8-10;

FIGS. 12-13 are sectional views of a portion of the force detectionunit, according to a third example, and of a capsule subjected to atensile force in order to test the pull-off force of the connectingelements of the capsule, such views showing steps of a third exemplarysequence for detecting the pull-off force of the connecting elements;

FIG. 14 shows a first mode for detecting the pull-off force of tetherelements of a capsule, that may be implemented in the measuringapparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 shows a second mode for detecting the pull-off force of tetherelements of a capsule, that may be implemented in the measuringapparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 shows a graph illustrating the trend of the pull-off forcedetected by the measuring apparatus according to the invention, as wellas the trend of the pull-off force detected via the first mode ofdetection and via the second mode of detection when a first capsuleundergoes a tensile test;

FIG. 16a shows an example of the first capsule;

FIG. 17 shows a graph illustrating the trend of the pull-off forcedetected by the measuring apparatus according to the invention, as wellas the trend of the pull-off force detected via the first mode ofdetection and via the second mode of detection when a second capsuleundergoes a tensile test;

FIG. 17a shows an example of the second capsule;

FIG. 18 shows the direction and sense of the force applied to a capsuleaccording to the first mode of detection and according to the secondmode of detection, with respect to a bottle on which the capsule may bemounted;

FIG. 19 shows a vertical elevation of a schematic of another exemplarymeasuring apparatus implemented according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 schematically shows a perspective view (on the left) and avertical elevation (on the right) of another exemplary measuringapparatus implemented according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 schematically shows a perspective view of another exemplarymeasuring apparatus implemented according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows a vertical elevation of a detail of the apparatus in FIG.21, in a tamper evident band connection configuration (on the left) andin a tamper evident band release configuration (on the right);

FIG. 23 schematically shows a vertical elevation of another exemplarymeasuring apparatus implemented according to the present invention, in atamper evident band connection configuration (on the left) and in atamper evident band release configuration (on the right);

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus in FIG.23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the aforementioned figures, a measuring apparatus, alsocalled PFM, which stands for Pull Force Machine, is indicated as a wholeby reference numeral 1, and is arranged to measure the pull-off force ofconnecting elements 201 (FIGS. 6 and 8) with which a capsule, orclosure, 200 (FIG. 6) is provided. Specifically, the measuring apparatus1 measures the pull-off force of the connecting elements 201 bysubjecting the capsule 200, and hence the connecting elements 201, to atensile force.

The capsule 200 is made of plastic material, and is of the kind used forclosing containers such as bottles, for example.

The connecting elements 201 are arranged to connect portions of a sidewall 202, with which the capsule 200 is provided, and which may becylindrical in shape, to portions of a tamper evident band, or safetyring, 203, with which the capsule 200 is provided, and which aresubstantially annular in shape. The tamper evident band 203 is suitableto provide a user with information about the integrity of a productpackaged in the container.

Specifically, the connecting elements 201 comprise bridge elements, orbridges 201 a (schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9), namelyelements made of plastic material intended for being fractured by a userduring a first opening of the container with the capsule 200 appliedthereto, so as to provide evidence of the tampering of the containerclosure; and/or at least one tether element 201 b (FIGS. 8, 13, 14 e 15)which by contrast enables to retain the capsule 200 on its tamperevident band 203 even after the container has been opened.

The capsule 200 further comprises an end wall 204 extending transverselyof the side wall 202.

The capsule 200 comprises a cup-shaped body 210 defined by the side wall202 and by the end wall 204. The side wall 202 is provided with a closedend 205 arranged at the end wall, and with an open end 206 arranged atthe tamper evident band 203. At one end, in particular at the closed end205, the end wall 204 delimits the side wall 202.

Provided on the end wall 204 is a seal element 207 that allows toisolate the product contained in the bottle from the outer environment.

The seal element 207 may have a substantially annular shape projectingfrom a bottom surface 214 of the end wall 204.

The seal element 207 comprises an inner seal surface 215 facing towardsthe interior of the capsule 200, namely towards a longitudinal axis A ofthe capsule 200.

The side wall 202 comprises an outer side surface 208 which may beprovided with a knurled area 209 that allows a user to grasp thecup-shaped body 210 more easily to screw/unscrew it thereon/therefrom.

The side wall 202 further comprises an inner side surface 216 with aninner thread 217 obtained thereon, suitable to engage an outer thread ofthe bottle.

The tamper evident band 203 is associated with an edge 211 of thecup-shaped body 210 opposite to the end wall 204.

Between the cup-shaped body 210 and the tamper evident band 203 isdefined an intended separation line that may comprise a plurality ofcuts or openings spaced out by the connecting elements 201.

Retaining elements 213 project from an inner annular surface 212 of thetamper evident band 203, substantially radially towards the longitudinalaxis A of the capsule 200, these being suitable, in use, to interactwith an annular ridge of the bottle to axially retain the tamper evidentband 203. In other words, the retaining elements 213 act tosubstantially prevent the tamper evident band 203 from moving parallellywith respect to the longitudinal axis A when the capsule 200 isunscrewed from the mouth during the first opening of the container, andthereby promoting the breakage of the connecting elements 201, thusallowing for separation of the tamper evident band 203 from thecup-shaped body 210.

The measuring apparatus 1 is arranged to measure the pull-off force ofthe connecting elements 201 by simulating the actions performed by auser when he or she opens a bottle for the first time yet withoutunscrewing the capsule 200.

Indeed, the capsule 200 is tested in the measuring apparatus 1 bysubjecting it to a tensile force, as will be better explained hereafterin the description.

The measuring apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2 restingly arranged on aresting plane 3 (FIG. 3), e.g., a floor of a laboratory or of a plantfor the fabrication of capsules 200 for closing containers. The frame 2is provided with a support arrangement 4 through which the measuringapparatus 1 rests on the resting plane 3. The support arrangement 4 maycomprise a plurality of legs 5 and feet 6, each foot 6 being connectedto a respective leg, on one side, and to the resting plane 3, on theother side.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the frame 2 comprises alower part 7, mounted on the support arrangement 4, and an upper part 8,mounted farther from the resting plane 3 than the lower part 7.

The lower 7 and upper parts 8 are separated by a support plate 9 mountedon an upper edge of the lower part 7.

The measuring apparatus 1 comprises a control panel 10 mounted on anupper wall 11 of the lower part 7, which is in particular inclined to avertical axis V of the measuring apparatus 1 (FIG. 3), such verticalaxis V being substantially perpendicular to the resting plane 3.

The control panel 10 is arranged to allow an operator to interact withthe measuring apparatus 1. For example, the operator may operatecomponents of the measuring apparatus 1 through the control panel 10. Tothis end, the control panel 10 comprises an interface panel 12,especially of the touch-screen type, comprising a displaying device 13,such as a display, on which a graphical interface may be implemented,through which the operator interacts with components of the measuringapparatus 1.

The control panel 10 may further comprise an additional interface panel14, especially of the touch-screen type, provided with an additionaldisplaying device 15, such as a display, on which an additionalgraphical interface may be implemented, through which the operatorinteracts with additional components of the measuring apparatus 1, e.g.,a force sensor of the measuring apparatus 1, as better explainedhereafter in the description.

The control panel 10 may further comprise a push button arrangement 16comprising a plurality of push buttons, in particular of the mechanicaltype. For example, a mushroom head button may be provided that may beoperated if the measuring apparatus 1 experiences an emergencycondition, e.g., if one or more components of the measuring apparatus donot function properly, or in case of maintenance intervention to becarried out on the components of the measuring apparatus 1 and/or areset button to be operated following an emergency condition.

The control panel 10 may further comprise a force sensor connectingsocket 17. The connecting socket 17 may be formed to receive anelectronic device of the USB type, adapted to store data detected by theforce sensor.

The lower part 7 of the frame 2 further comprises a front wall 18 towhich a main power switch 19 of the measuring apparatus 1 may bemounted, which may be operated to apply voltage to theelectrical/electronic components of the measuring apparatus 1, namely tosupply power thereto.

Moreover, an indicator light 20 may be mounted to the front part 18,indicating that the electrical/electronic components of the measuringapparatus 1 are connected to a power supply.

The lower part 7 of the frame 2 further comprises a first side wall 21provided with an openable panel 22 in particular hinged along an edge 23through at least one hinge 24 so as to be rotatable around a rotationaxis R.

Finally, the lower part 7 of the frame 2 comprises a second side part25, opposite to the first side wall 21, a rear wall 26, opposite to theupper wall 11 and to the front wall 18, and a bottom wall 27 opposite tothe support plate 9.

An additional openable panel 39, similar to the openable panel 22, maybe provided on the second side part 25.

The upper wall 11, the front wall 18, the first side wall 21, the secondside part 25, the rear wall 26, the bottom wall 27 and the support plate9 define a chamber 28 arranged to house some electronic/electricalcomponents of the measuring apparatus 1.

A container 29 may be arranged on the bottom wall 27, which is suitableto receive, especially by gravity, the capsules 200 subjected to atensile force in the measuring apparatus 1 during use.

The upper part 8 comprises a substantially open box-shaped casing 30 ona side mounted on the support plate 9.

The casing 30 acts as a physical barrier adapted to protect an operatorcoming in proximity to the measuring apparatus 1 and thus exposed to arisk of projection and contact with moving parts of the measuringapparatus 1.

The casing 30 and the support plate 9 delimit a housing 31 arranged tohouse some electronic/electrical/mechanical components of the measuringapparatus 1, as well as a working area of the measuring apparatus 1.

The casing 30 may be made of a transparent plastic material (FIG. 4), soas to enable an operator to see the moving parts of the measuringapparatus 1 functioning.

At one side 32 of the casing 30 is provided a door 33 in particularhinged along an additional edge 34 through an additional hinge 35 so asto be rotatable around a rotation axis B thereof in order to allow anoperator to access the moving parts of the measuring apparatus 1, forexample to carry out maintenance thereon.

An additional door 36, similar to door 33, may be provided on anadditional side 37 of the casing 30.

The measuring apparatus 1 may comprise a status indicator arrangement 38mounted on the frame 2, in particular at the top of the upper part 8,and intended for displaying to the operator a status of the measuringapparatus 1. For example, the status indicator arrangement 38 comprisesone or more light sources, the color of the light emitted therebydefining a status of the measuring apparatus 1. In particular, a redcolored light may be associated with an emergency status of themeasuring apparatus 1, for example caused by a malfunctioning of one ormore components of the measuring apparatus 1, whereas a green coloredlight may be associated with an operating status of the measuringapparatus 1, that is, when the measuring apparatus 1 functions properly.

With particular reference to FIGS. 4, 4 a and 5, the measuring apparatus1 further comprises a detection unit 40 arranged to obtain the pull-offforce of the connecting elements 201 by measuring a plurality of valuesof the tensile force, to which the capsule 200 is subjected, by means ofthe detection unit 40 itself.

The detection unit 40 comprises a hollow gripping spindle 41 providedwith a ridge 42, in particular annular in shape, to which the capsule200 to be subjected to a tensile force is connectable.

In use, the ridge 42 is configured to interact with the retainingelements 213 of the capsule 200 to axially retain the tamper evidentband 203 of the capsule 200 and thus the capsule 200 itself.

The hollow gripping spindle 41, to which the tamper evident band 203 ofthe capsule 200 connects, simulates the grip provided by the neck of abottle to which the capsule 200 may be mounted.

The hollow gripping spindle 41 is substantially tubular in shape.

In use, the capsule 200 is connected at an end part 47 of the hollowgripping spindle 41.

The hollow gripping spindle 41 is fixed to a support structure 43 of thedetection unit 40 (shown for example in FIG. 5), which is mounted on aportion of a face 44 of the support plate 9.

The support structure 43, for example, has a portal-type shape, and ismade of a metal material such as aluminum, for example.

The face 44 defines a worktop of the detection unit 40.

The detection unit 40 further comprises a pusher device 45 arranged tointeract with at least one portion of an inner surface of the capsule200.

The inner surface of the capsule 200 may have a flat surface or besubstantially L-shaped.

The inner surface of the capsule 200 may comprise the bottom surface 214of the end wall 204 and/or the inner seal surface 215 of the sealelement 207.

The pusher device 45 are movable along a breakage direction D, and arearranged to move from the top down, namely for approaching the restingplane 3, in order to apply a force to the capsule 200, especially on atleast one portion of the inner surface of the capsule 200, so as tocause the breakage of the connecting elements 201 of the capsule 200,when the capsule 200 is mounted to the hollow gripping spindle 41.

The breakage direction D, indicated by an arrow in FIGS. 4, 7, 8 and 9,is substantially parallel to the vertical axis V of the measuringapparatus 1, and substantially perpendicular to the face 44 of thesupport plate 9.

The pusher device 45 are movable along the breakage direction D by amovement device 48, such as an actuator, namely a linear one, to whichthe pusher device 45 are connected. The movement device 48 is mounted tothe support structure 43 of the detection unit 40.

In use, the pusher device 45 are formed to slide within a longitudinalcavity obtained inside the hollow gripping spindle 41 to stop, and push,against at least one portion of the inner surface of the capsule 200.

After that, the pusher device 45 continue their stroke past the end part47 of the hollow gripping spindle 41 to fracture, sequentially, allbridge elements 201 a and then the one or more tether elements 201 bwith which the capsule 200 to be tested is provided.

The detection unit 40 further comprises a sensor arrangement 49,associated with the pusher device 45, to detect values of the forcewhich the pusher device 45 applies to at least one portion of the innersurface of the capsule 200, and, as a result, to the connecting elements201, during the movement along the breakage direction D.

The sensor arrangement 49 are configured in particular to detect ameasured signal, in particular an electrical one, e.g., a tension orforce value, proportional to the deformation which the force applied bythe pusher device 45 produces on the connecting elements 201 of thecapsule 200.

When the electrical measured signal is not a force value, but rather atension value, for example, a processing and control unit of themeasuring apparatus 1 translates it into a force value.

Specifically, the sensor arrangement 49 detect a plurality of forcevalues of the tensile force to which the connecting elements 201 aresubjected, each force value being associated with a movement of thepusher device 45 along the breakage direction D.

The sensor arrangement 49 may comprise a force sensor, a pressure sensoror an electrical power sensor.

For example, the sensor arrangement 49 comprises a load cell.

Simultaneously with the movement of the pusher device 45 along thebreakage direction D, the sensor arrangement 49 detect the values of theforce applied on the capsule 200, and possibly store them in a memory ofthe processing and control unit of the measuring apparatus 1.

The plurality of force values detected may be transferred to anelectronic memory device of the USB type by inserting an end of thelatter into the connecting socket 17.

Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of force values detectedmay be automatically transferred to a main controller (PLC) of thecapsule processing line, for example through an Ethernet cable.

In an example, the pusher device 45 comprises a pusher substantiallycylindrical in shape.

The capsule 200 to be tested is supplied to the detection unit 40manually or by means of a lifting and abutting device 50 of themeasuring apparatus 1.

The lifting and abutting device 50 is provided with an abutting surface51 arranged to restingly receive an area of an outer surface 218 of theend wall 204 of the capsule 200, and is further arranged to push thearea of the outer surface 218 of the end wall 204 along a supplydirection S, indicated by an arrow in FIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 10, so as tosupply the capsule 200 to the detection unit 40.

The supply direction S is substantially perpendicular to the restingplane 3 and to the face 44 of the support plate 9. Specifically, in use,the lifting and abutting device 50 is moved along the supply direction Suntil the retaining elements 213 are engaged with the ridge 42, andthereby the capsule 200 is retained on the hollow gripping spindle 41.

In order to supply a capsule 200 to the detection unit 40, the liftingand abutting device 50 is movable, in particular, between a lowered,non-operating position N, shown in FIGS. 4 and 4 a, in which theabutting surface 51 is positioned below the face 44, and a supplyposition P, shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, in which the abutting surface ispositioned above the face 44, and at a distance from the latter, suchthat the connection of the capsule 200 to the ridge is guaranteed.

In the supply position P, the abutting surface 51 may be deviated fromthe end part 47 by the thickness of the end wall 204 or by the thicknessof the end wall 204 and of the seal element 207, if present, thesethicknesses being measured along a direction substantially parallel tothe longitudinal axis A of the capsule 200.

The lowered position N and the supply position P are at opposite ends ofthe stroke of the lifting and abutting device 50.

The abutting surface 51 is obtained at an end of the lifting andabutting device 50, and may be flat.

In use, the abutting surface 51 is further arranged to cooperate with atleast one area of the outer surface 218 of the end wall 204 in order tolimit or avoid a tipping of the capsule 200 during the application ofthe tensile force to break the connecting elements 201, in case thecapsule 200 tips over, namely in case it tilts with respect to itslongitudinal axis A (taken on when the capsule 200 is mounted on thehollow gripping spindle 41) or with respect to a longitudinal axis G ofthe cavity 46 of the hollow gripping spindle 41, the tensile force beingapplied after the connection of the capsule 200 to the ridge 42 of thehollow gripping spindle 41.

In use, in order to limit or avoid a tipping of the capsule 200 afterthe connection of a capsule 200 to the end part 47 of the hollowgripping spindle 41, the lifting and abutting device 50 is operated totravel a set portion (FIGS. 7 and 12) along an operating direction O,such that between the abutting surface 51 and the outer surface 218 (orthe thrust surface 52) is maintained a set distance X corresponding tothe length of the set portion as measured along the operating directionO.

The set distance X may range between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

The operating direction O may have at least one component substantiallyparallel and opposite to the supply direction S moving away from theouter surface 218 of the end wall 204, namely approaching the face 44and the resting plane 3.

The operating direction O may further comprise at least one componentsubstantially parallel to, and concordant with, the breakage directionD.

When the pusher device 45 move along the breakage direction D and applyat the same time a force to the capsule 200, the lifting and abuttingdevice 50 moves along the operating direction O so as to maintain theset distance equal to the length of the set distance X in a firstportion, specifically until all bridge elements 201 a have beenfractured. For example, this condition may occur when the values of theforce applied by the pusher device 45 and measured by the sensorarrangement 49 start decreasing after having reached a maximum value. Inother words, along the first portion, the abutting surface 51 of thelifting and abutting device 50, and a thrust surface 52 of the pusherdevice 45 do not move by relative motion, but are stationary withrespect to each other, since they move simultaneously, notablysubstantially at the same speed.

The lifting and abutting device 50 then travels a further portion alongthe operating direction O, and the pusher device 45 are operated alongthe breakage direction D in order to interact with the inner surface ofthe capsule 200 to fracture the tether elements 201 b, if present. Inthis case, too, a further set distance Y is maintained, thiscorresponding for example to the set distance X between the abuttingsurface 51 and the outer surface 218 of the end wall 204 (or of thethrust surface 52) for a second travel portion of the lifting andabutting device 50 (subsequent to the further portion) and of the pusherdevice 45, namely until all tether elements 201 b have been fractured.For example, this condition may occur when the values of the forceapplied by the pusher device 45 and measured by the sensor arrangement49 start decreasing after having reached a maximum value. In otherwords, along the second portion, too, the abutting surface 51 of thelifting and abutting device 50, and the thrust surface 52 of the pusherdevice 45 do not move by relative motion, but are stationary withrespect to each other, since they move simultaneously, notablysubstantially at the same speed.

When the capsule 200 tips over, namely when the capsule 200 tilts withrespect to the longitudinal axis G of the longitudinal cavity 46 of thehollow gripping spindle 41, the set distance X between the abuttingsurface 51 and the surface 214 is not maintained, since through therotation of the capsule 200 and, as a result, of the end wall 204, anarea of the outer surface 218 extends beyond the position which wouldusually be assumed if the end wall 204 remained substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity 46 ofthe hollow gripping spindle 41. As such, the abutting surface 51 mayabut on an area of the external surface 218, thus preventing anexcessive rotation of the capsule 200, which occurs when the plane onwhich the thrust surface 52 lies, and the plane on which the end wall204 lies enclose an angle, especially greater than 75°.

A tilting of the capsule 200 occurs when not all bridge elements 201 aare fractured substantially at the same time, and when once all bridgeelements 201 a are fractured, the tamper evident band 203 remainsanchored to the side wall 202 by means of the tether elements 201 b. Anexcessive rotation of the capsule 200 would imply that the pusher device45 fails to abut on the inner surface of the capsule 200, and,therefore, that the connecting elements 201 fail to break.

The set distance X and the further distance are selected so as toguarantee that the abutting surface 51 cooperates with the outer surface218 of the end wall 204 of the capsule 200.

Owing to the lifting and abutting device 50 it is therefore guaranteed areliable measurement of the force applied to the connecting elements 201of the capsule 200 to be tested, namely to be subjected to a strain,since a tilting of the capsule 200 in the absence of the abuttingsurface 51 is limited or avoided. This guarantees that all connectingelements 201 are subjected first to a tensile force and then to apull-off force.

The lifting and abutting device 50 comprises a lifting element 53, inparticular cylindrical in shape, e.g., a piston, and a drive device 54,of the known type, e.g., a linear actuator, arranged to move the liftingelement 53 alternatively along a supply direction S or along theoperating direction O.

The measuring apparatus 1 may further comprise a capsule positioningdevice 55 arranged for positioning a capsule 200 to be tested, above theabutting surface 51, when the lifting and abutting device 50 is in thelowered position N.

The capsule positioning device 55 comprises a rotating disc 56 rotatablearound a rotation axis M thereof, and mounted to the face 44 of thesupport plate 9.

The rotating disc 56 is provided with a seat 57 shaped to house acapsule 200 to be tested, with the open end 206 facing upwards, that iswith the closed end 205 facing towards the resting plane 3. The size ofthe seat 57 is selected so that the capsule 200 does not move, or moveswith a limited clearance, within the seat 57 itself during the rotationof the rotating disc 56, and this to allow for its optimal positioningabove the abutting surface 51.

The rotating disc 56 may further comprise an inlet channel 60 having afirst end that is located within the seat 57, arranged to receive acapsule 200 to be tested, and to supply it to the seat 57, and a secondend, opposite to the first end of the inlet channel 60, provided with aninlet for the capsule 200 to be tested.

In use, the capsule 200 is inserted into the inlet of the inlet channel60 and slips on a bottom of the inlet channel 60 until it reaches theseat 57.

The capsule positioning device 55 may further comprise a cover 58,removably mounted on the rotating disc 56, in which a through opening 59may be obtained, which allows to see the capsule 200 when it is insertedinto the seat 57, during the rotation of the rotating disc 56.

In use, the rotating disc 56 is rotatable around the rotation axis M,specifically in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5, betweena receiving position C, shown in FIG. 5, in which the seat 57 faces thefirst end of the inlet channel 60, and a removing position, not shown inthe Figures, in which the seat 57 is substantially coaxial with thehollow gripping spindle 41. In this manner, the capsule 200 will haveits longitudinal axis A substantially parallel to, and especiallycoinciding with, the longitudinal axis G of the longitudinal cavity 46of the hollow gripping spindle 41.

The removing position may be located diametrically opposite to thereceiving position C.

The capsule 200 may be supplied to the rotating disc 56 manually, byinserting it into the inlet channel 60 or directly into the seat 57, orit may be supplied to the rotating disc 56 through a capsule supplyingguide 61 connecting the measuring apparatus 1 to a portion of the plugprocessing line provided in the capsule production plant, specificallydownstream of a cutting machine adapted to engrave capsules 200,especially adapted to cut the side wall 202 of a capsule 200, such thatthe tamper evident band 203 and one or more connecting elements 201 areobtained on said side wall 202.

Indeed, the capsule supplying guide 61 may be connected to the inletchannel 60 (at the second end) or to the seat 57, in the absence of aninlet channel 60, on one side, and, on the other side, to the portion ofthe capsule processing line, close to which is provided a deflectordevice comprising, for example, a rotatable rod arranged to interactwith a capsule 200 passing along the line portion to deflect its pathalong the supplying guide 61 and then to the capsule positioning device55.

The capsule supplying guide 61 is partially mounted on the face 44. In apanel of the casing 30, specifically a rear panel 62 of the upper part8, a through-hole 63 is obtained to enable the mounting of the capsulesupplying guide 61 on the face 44.

The capsule supplying guide 61 may be polygonal in section.

When the measuring apparatus 1 comprises the capsule supplying guide 61,a capsule 200 to be tested may be automatically removed from theprocessing line. Owing to the capsule supplying guide 61, therefore, themeasuring apparatus 1 may form part of the capsule processing line 200.

Either an individual capsule 200 or a group of capsules 200 to be testedsequentially in the measuring apparatus may be automatically removedfrom the processing line. For example, the number of capsules 200 of thegroup of capsules 200 may coincide with the number of spindles in thecutting machine. The number of capsules 200 removed from the supply linemay be programmed by the processing and control unit, which can talk toa main controller (PLC) of the capsule processing line.

Alternatively, the measuring apparatus 1 may be used in stand-alonefashion, namely detached from the plug processing line. In such case,the measuring apparatus 1 is employed as a laboratory machine fortesting the pull-off force of the connecting elements 201.

The measuring apparatus 1 further comprises a cutting device 64 arrangedto cut the portion of tamper evident band 203 remaining attached to theridge 42 at the end of the measurement of the pull-off force of theconnecting elements 201, namely when all connecting elements 201 havebeen fractured.

The cutting device 64 comprises a knife 65 (FIGS. 4 and 4 a), and anactuator device 66 (FIGS. 4 and 5), for example a linear actuator,arranged to move the knife for approaching the portion of the tamperevident band 203 to perform a cross-cut, namely a cut not perpendicularto the vertical axis V of the measuring apparatus 1, such that theportion of the tamper evident band 203 separates from the hollowgripping spindle 41.

Once the portion of the tamper evident band 203 has been separated fromthe gripping spindle 41, an air blow generated, for example, by a nozzleattached to a compressed air channel, not shown in the Figures, directsthe capsule 200 (cup-shaped body 210 and tamper evident band 203) to adischarge pipe 67 having an end located above the container 29 (FIG. 4).The discharge pipe 67 is formed such that the tested capsule 200 fallsby gravity into the container 29, possibly interacting with portions ofan inner surface of the discharge pipe 67 itself.

Owing to the air blow, the tested capsule 200 is automatically ejectedout of the detection unit 40.

With particular reference to FIGS. 6-8 showing a portion of the forcedetection unit 40 according to a first exemplary embodiment of themeasuring apparatus 1 and to some steps of a first example of a sequencefor detecting the pull-off force of the connecting elements 201, thepusher device 45 comprises a first pusher 70 and a second pusher 71arranged coaxially, and configured to detect the pull-off force of thebridge elements 201 a and of the tether elements 201 b, respectively,when they are moved along the breakage direction D by means of a firstactuator of the movement device 48 and of an additional actuator of themovement device 48, respectively.

The first pusher 70 is shaped substantially as a hollow cylinder, withthe second pusher 71 being slidable therein. Specifically, alongitudinal opening 79 is obtained in the first pusher 70, the secondpusher 71 being slidable therein.

The second pusher 71 comprises a shaft 72 having a substantiallycylindrical shape and a tapered end 73, especially with a blunt tip,coupled with an end of the shaft 72.

In this first exemplary embodiment, the thrust surface 52 of the pusherdevice 45 comprises the thrust surface of the first pusher 70, which, inuse, is intended for pushing against a portion of the bottom surface 214of the end wall 204 (FIGS. 6 and 7). The thrust surface 52 of the pusherdevice 45 further comprises the thrust surface of the second pusher 71,obtained on the tapered end 73, which, in use, is intended for pushingagainst a portion of the bottom surface 214 of the end wall 204 (FIG. 8)as well as against a portion of the inner seal surface 215 of the sealelement 207, when the seal element 207 is present, or against a portionof the inner side surface 216 of the side wall 202, when no seal element207 is provided in the capsule 200. The tapered end 73 of the secondpusher 71 is shaped so as to engage, and push against, an L-shapedportion of the inner surface, a side thereof being arranged on thebottom surface 214 and the other side thereof being arranged on theinner seal surface 215 or on the inner side surface 216.

In this first exemplary embodiment, the sensor arrangement 49 comprisesa first force sensor, such as a load cell, connected to the first pusher70, and a second force sensor, such as a load cell, connected to thesecond pusher 71, in order to detect values of the force applied to thebridge elements 201 a and to the tether elements 201 b, respectively, ofthe capsule 200 when subjected to a tensile force.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 12 and 13, showing a portionof the force detection unit 40 according to a second exemplaryembodiment of the measuring apparatus 1 and to some steps of a secondexample of a sequence for detecting the pull-off force of the connectingelements, the pusher device 45 comprises a first portion 74,substantially cylindrical in shape, and a second portion 75, alsocylindrical in shape, hinged on the first portion 74 so as to berotatable around a hinge axis H substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis G of the longitudinal cavity 46 of the hollow grippingspindle 41. In other words, the second portion 75 is articulated withrespect to the first portion 74.

In use, the first portion 74 and the second portion 75 initially assumean aligned configuration E, especially shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 12, inwhich the first portion 74 and the second portion 75 are aligned alongan axis substantially parallel to, or coinciding with, the longitudinalaxis G of the longitudinal cavity 46 when the measuring apparatus 1 isnot operating, or to push a portion of the bottom surface 214 of the endwall 204 in order to first deform and then fracture the bridge elements201 a (FIG. 12) by moving the pusher device 45 along the breakagedirection D. Simultaneously with the movement of the pusher device 45along the breakage direction D, the sensor arrangement 49 detect andpossibly store in the memory the values of the force applied on thecapsule 200.

At the time when all the bridge elements are broken 201 a (coincidingwith a decrease in the force values detected), the pusher device 45 isoperated again along the breakage direction D, and by continuing itsstroke along the breakage direction D, an end portion of the secondportion 75 engages a portion of the bottom surface 214 of the end wall204 and a portion of the inner seal surface 215 of the seal element 207(or a portion of the inner side surface 216 when the seal element 207 isnot present), such portions tilting with respect to the longitudinalaxis A of the capsule 200 (when the capsule 200 is mounted on the hollowgripping spindle 41), or to the longitudinal axis G of the cavity 46 ofthe hollow gripping spindle 41, since the at least one tether element201 b keeps the tamper evident band 203 anchored to the hollow grippingspindle 41 on one side, and drags in rotation the second portion 75. Inother words, the second portion 75 rotates around the hinge axis H. Bycontrast, the first portion 74 does not rotate, but remains with itslongitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis G ofthe cavity 46 of the hollow gripping spindle 41. Therefore, the firstportion 74 and the second portion 75 assume an inclined configuration Fin which the second portion 75 has a longitudinal axis which is nolonger aligned but inclined with respect to that of the first portion74. When the second portion 75 goes down, it keeps on applying a forceto the inner side of the capsule 200, thereby leading to the breakage ofthe at least one tether element 201 b, too. Simultaneously with themovement of the pusher device 45 along the breakage direction D, thesensor arrangement 49 detect and possibly store in the memory the valuesof the force applied to the capsule 200.

Also in this case, the end portion of the second portion 75 is shaped soas to engage, and push against, an L-shaped portion of the innersurface, a side thereof being arranged on the bottom surface 214 and theother side thereof being arranged on the inner seal surface 215 or onthe inner side surface 216.

In this second embodiment, the measuring apparatus 1 comprises a visionsystem 76 arranged to acquire an image of the capsule 200 to be tested,namely an image of the tamper evident band 203 prior to its separationfrom the side wall 202 when the capsule 200 is subjected to a tensiletest, specifically prior to the connection of the capsule 200 to thehollow gripping spindle 41.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary image detected by the vision system 76.

For example, the vision system 76 may comprise a video camera,especially a linear one.

Thus, owing to the vision system 76, it is possible to assess thequality of the cut performed by the cutting machine on the capsule 200under consideration, by assessing at least an image of at least oneportion of the tamper evident band 203, falling within a frame of thevision system 76.

In this second embodiment, the lifting and abutting device 50 comprises,on the abutting surface 51, an engaging groove 77 arranged to engage theouter side surface 208 of the side wall 202 so as to lock the capsule200 to be tested, on the abutting surface 51.

For example, the engaging groove 77 may be provided with an engagingarea 78 shaped so as to engage the knurled area 209 of the capsule 200.

In this embodiment, the drive device 54 allows not only the translationof the lifting and abutting device 50, but also a rotation thereofaround a rotation axis L substantially perpendicular to the face 44.

According to a variant, not shown in the Figures, the capsule 200 to betested is locked on the abutting surface 51 of the lifting and abuttingdevice 50 through a vacuum system of the known type.

Owing to the rotation of the lifting and abutting device 50, it ispossible to assess images of several portions of the tamper evident band203, including those not falling directly in the visual field of thevision system 76. In this manner, it is possible to inspect the entirelength of the tamper evident band 203. Moreover, the capsule 200 may beoriented angularly depending on the position of the at least one tetherelement 201 b before the capsule 200 is subjected to a tensile force.

Owing to the vision system 76, it is also possible to determine the sizeof the bridge elements 201 a, their angular distribution, the regularityof the cut and the position of the cut.

The operation of the aforementioned measuring apparatus 1 embodies ameasuring method comprising the steps of:

-   -   supplying a capsule 200 to the detection unit 40;    -   connecting the capsule 200 to the hollow gripping spindle 41 by        having the retaining elements 213 engage said ridge 42;    -   subjecting the capsule 200 to a tensile force through the pusher        device 45 and detecting, through the sensor arrangement 49, an        electrical signal proportional to a deformation to which said        connecting elements 201 are subjected;    -   moving the lifting and abutting device 50 along the operating        direction O, and moving the pusher device 45 along the breakage        direction D at the same time, and especially at the same speed,        so that the abutting surface 51 is maintained at a set distance        X; Y from the outer surface 218 of the end wall 204, the        abutting surface 51 cooperating with the outer surface 218 of        the end wall 204, in order to counteract an excessive tipping of        the capsule 200 during the application of the tensile force.

The step of supplying a capsule 200 comprises arranging a capsule 200with the open end 206 facing upwards, above the abutting surface 51,when the lifting and abutting device 50 is in the lowered position N,and subsequently moving the lifting and abutting device 50 along thesupply direction S up to the supplying position P in which the capsule200 turns out to be connected to the hollow gripping spindle 41 sincethe retaining elements 213 engage the ridge 42 (FIG. 6).

The step of arranging a capsule 200 above the abutting surface 51 mayfurther comprise, in particular sequentially, providing a rotating disc56 in the receiving position C, inserting a capsule 200 in the seat 57of the rotating disc 56, and rotating the rotating disc 56 around therotation axis M, especially substantially by 180°, until the removingposition is reached, in which the capsule 200 has its longitudinal axisA substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis G of thelongitudinal cavity 46 of the hollow gripping spindle 41 andsubstantially coinciding with an axis of the seat 57.

The step of arranging a capsule 200 above the abutting surface 51 mayfurther comprise removing a capsule 200 from a portion of the capsuleprocessing line, through the capsule supplying guide 61, to supply thecapsule 200 to the seat 57.

The measuring method further comprises moving the lifting and abuttingdevice 50 along the operating direction O during a portion, until theabutting surface 51 and the outer surface 218 of the end wall 204 arespaced apart by a set distance X (FIGS. 7 and 12).

The measuring method further comprises a step of measuring the pull-offforce of the connecting elements 201, comprising the step of moving thepusher device 45 along a breakage direction D to apply a tensile forceto an inner side of the capsule 200 to break the bridge elements 201 a,together with moving the lifting and abutting device 50 along theoperating direction O for a first portion, during which said setdistance X is maintained.

The step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements 201further comprises constantly detecting, through the sensor arrangement49, values of the tensile force applied to the capsule 200, and thus tothe connecting elements 201, simultaneously with said moving the pusherdevice 45 along the breakage direction D, in particular from the timewhen the pusher device 45 starts applying a force to the inner surfaceof the capsule 200.

The step of detecting said tensile force values comprises calculating avalue of the pull-off force of the bridge elements 201 a, said value ofthe pull-off of the bridge elements 201 a coinciding with a firstmaximum force value detected, detected in particular during the firstportion.

The set distance X is maintained until all bridge elements 201 a havebeen fractured, namely until the sensor arrangement 49 detects thepull-off force of the bridge elements 201 a.

The measuring method further comprises moving the lifting and abuttingdevice 50 along the operating direction O during a further portion,until the abutting surface 51 and the outer surface 218 of the end wall204 are spaced apart by a further set distance Y, which may be equal to,or different from, the set distance X.

The step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements 201further comprises the step of further moving the pusher device 45 alongthe breakage direction D to apply a tensile force to an inner surface ofthe capsule 200 in order to break the tether elements 201 b, togetherwith moving the lifting and abutting device 50 along the operatingdirection O for a second portion, during which said further set distanceY is maintained (FIGS. 8 and 13).

The step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements 201further comprises constantly detecting, through the sensor arrangement49, values of the tensile force applied to the capsule 200, and thus tothe connecting elements 201, simultaneously with said moving the pusherdevice 45 along the breakage direction D.

The step of detecting the tensile force values comprises calculating avalue of the pull-off force of the tether elements 201 b, the value ofthe pull-off force of the tether elements 201 b coinciding with a secondmaximum force value detected subsequently to the first maximum forcevalue, detected in particular during the second portion.

The further set distance Y is maintained until all tether elements 201 bhave been fractured, namely until the sensor arrangement 49 detects thepull-off force of the tether elements 201 b.

Maintaining the set distance X during the first portion, and the furtherset distance Y during the second portion, allows to counteract a tippingof the capsule 200 during said application of said tensile force, sinceif the capsule 200 tilts slightly, the abutting surface 51 may cooperatewith at least one area of the outer surface 218 of the end wall 204,thereby preventing an excessive tilting which hampers the measurement ofthe pull-off force of the connecting elements 201.

With reference to the first exemplary embodiment of the measuringapparatus 1, the step of moving the pusher device 45 along the breakagedirection D may comprise a first step in which it is provided that thefirst pusher 70 is moved along the breakage direction D, whereas thesecond pusher 71 is kept in place, to apply a tensile force to a portionof the bottom surface 214 of the end wall 204 of the capsule 200 inorder to break the bridge elements 201 a, such portion beingsubstantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis A of the capsule 200(FIG. 7).

The step of moving the pusher device 45 along the breakage direction Dmay further comprise a second step, subsequent to the first step, inwhich it is provided that the second pusher 71 is moved along thebreakage direction D, whereas the first pusher 70 is kept in place, toapply a tensile force, in order to break the tether elements 201 b, to aportion of the bottom surface 214 of the end wall 204 of the capsule 200and to a portion of an inner seal surface 215 of the seal element 207(when the capsule 200 is provided with the seal element 207) or to aportion of the bottom surface 214 of the end wall 204 of the capsule200, and to a portion of the inner side surface 216 (when the capsule200 is not provided with the seal element 207) (FIG. 8).

With reference to the second exemplary embodiment of the measuringapparatus 1, prior to the connection of the capsule 200 to the hollowgripping spindle 41, the measuring method may further comprise the stepof mutually approaching the lifting and abutting device 50 and thepusher device 45, such that the abutting surface 51 and the thrustsurface 52 abut on the end wall 204 from opposite parts, so as to engagethe capsule 200 in the engaging groove 77, such that the capsule 200 islocked angularly, that is, it cannot rotate freely (FIG. 9).

After the step of mutually approaching the lifting and abutting device50 and the pusher device 45, the measuring method may further comprise aphasing step of the capsule 200, which comprises rotating the liftingand abutting device 50 around its rotation axis L, so as to orient thecapsule 200 on the basis of the position of a reference element thereof,such as the position of a tether element 201 b, the position of saidreference element being detected by acquiring at least one image of thetamper evident band 203 through the vision system 76. Owing to thephasing step, a reference element of the capsule 200 may be orientedaccording to a desired orientation.

After the step of mutually approaching the lifting and abutting device50 and the pusher device 45, the measuring method may further comprisean inspection step of the capsule 200, which comprises rotating thelifting and abutting device 50 around its rotation axis L, and acquiringat least one image of an area of the tamper evident band 203. Therotation of the lifting and abutting device 50 and the acquisition of atleast one image may be repeated until images of the entire outer surfaceof the tamper evident band 203 are obtained.

After carrying out the phasing step of the capsule 200 and/or theinspection step of the capsule 200, the measuring method comprises thestep of connecting the capsule 200 to the hollow gripping spindle 41,and, subsequently, the step of measuring the pull-off force of theconnecting elements 201, during which the vision system 76 may be turnedoff (FIG. 10).

The values of the force applied to the capsule 200 to be tested, and, asa result, to the connecting elements 201, are acquired in the processingand control unit of the measuring apparatus 1, and possibly storedtherein.

When the sensor arrangement 49 detects a measurement signal proportionalto the force values, the processing and control unit processes themeasurement signals thus acquired to convert them into force values.

At the end of the step of measuring the pull-off force of the connectingelements 201, the measuring method may comprise cutting the tamperevident band 203 remained anchored to the ridge 42, by means of thecutting device 64, and ejecting the capsule 200 by using an air blow.

The measuring method may further comprise plotting a trend curve of theforce values as a function of the movement of the pusher device 45 alongthe breakage direction D, or as a function of time, and displaying it onthe displaying device 13.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are two exemplary graphs showing trend curves of thetear-off values detected by testing a first exemplary capsule and asecond exemplary capsule, respectively, shown in FIG. 16a and in FIG.17a , respectively.

Each graph shows the trend of the tear-off values detected by themeasuring apparatus 1 (curve represented by dashed line) by applying themeasuring method described above, the trend of the tear-off valuesdetected in a first detection mode (curve represented by dotted line),and the trend of the tear-off values detected in a second detection mode(curve represented by a solid line).

With particular reference to FIG. 18, the first detection mode providesthat to the at least one tether element 201 b is applied a tensile forcedirected along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis A of the capsule 200 (or vertical, or axial or at 0°), that issubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a bottle on which ismounted the capsule 200 to be tested. By contrast, the second detectionmode provides that to the at least one tether element 201 b is applied atensile force directed along a direction substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis A of the capsule 200 (or horizontal, or radial, orat 90°), that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofa bottle on which is mounted the capsule 200 to be tested.

The first and second detection modes may be implemented by the measuringapparatus 1 (FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively) or by another laboratorymachine.

Each curve represented in the graph has a first maximum point whichcoincides with the pull-off force of the bridge elements 201 a, andwhich is detected during the first travel portion of the pusher device45 along the breakage direction D, and a second maximum point whichcoincides with the pull-off force of the tether elements 201 b, andwhich is detected during the second travel portion of the pusher device45 along the breakage direction D.

The first and second portions may substantially be 15 mm in length.

The measuring method may further comprise analyzing the detected forcevalues to obtain production information on the capsule 200, thisinformation being used to make a change to one or more parts of acapsule production plant in which the tested capsule 200 has beenfabricated, especially when the measuring apparatus 1 is used in line.

Specifically, from the analysis carried out on the force valuesdetected, it is possible to determine whether one or more parts of thecapsule production plant are experiencing a failure. For example, it ispossible to detect whether the cutting machine has a cutting blade thatis worn or malfunctioning, since the cutting parameters used are notsuitable. As a result, therefore, the cutting action may be corrected byreplacing the worn blade or by making changes to the cutting parametersof the cutting machine.

Still, by analyzing the graphs illustrating the force as a function oftime, it is possible to determine the elongation of the bridge elements201 a, and thus compare the elongation of the bridge elements 201 a incapsules 200 made of different materials, or determine whether thematerial used for the molding of a tested capsule 200 is not compliant,because the elongation detected deviates from an elongation expected forthat material.

In other words, the detected force values may be related to a failurecondition of one part of the capsule production plant.

Owing to the movable lifting and abutting device 50, during themeasuring step the abutting surface 51 cooperates with the outer surface218 of the end wall 204 to counteract a possible rotation of the capsule200 with respect to its longitudinal axis A.

This allows to obtain a reliable measurement of the pull-off force ofthe connecting elements 201, since it is certain that all connectingelements 201 are fractured.

Moreover, still owing to the movable lifting and abutting device 50 aswell as to the vision system 76, a capsule 200 may be convenientlyoriented, and supplied to the detection unit 40.

Owing to the shape of the pusher device 45 it is possible to detect thepull-off force of capsules 200 provided with bridge elements 201 aand/or with at least one tether element 201 b.

The measuring apparatus 1 further comprises measuring the pull-off forceof the connecting elements 201 of capsules 200 having a diameter in arange of 25 to 38 mm, and a height in a range of 10 to 20 mm, withoutmaking any changes to the components of the measuring apparatus 1.

If it is desired to test a capsule 200 having a different size from theone reported above, it will be necessary to change only the hollowgripping spindle 41, in addition to the parts which move the capsules200 to the working position. In other words, the measuring apparatus 1turns out to be very versatile.

Finally, the measuring apparatus allows to test the pull-off force ofconnecting bridge elements 201 a of different types of bands, incapsules 200 of similar size.

FIGS. 19-24 show another four examples of measuring apparatuses.

The measuring apparatus in FIG. 19 comprises a tubular element 81 (forexample, cylindrical in shape) having a vertical axis. Specifically, themeasuring apparatus may comprise the axial thrust element 45, which isaxially movable inside the tubular element 81. As in the previousexamples, the axial thrust element 45 is configured to push a capsule200 downwards, in order to cause a breakage of the frangible arrangement201 connecting the capsule 200 to the tamper evident band 203 (having aclosed annular shape).

The axial thrust element 45 shown in the examples in FIGS. 19-22, may bein particular similar to that in the previous examples.

Specifically, the measuring apparatus may comprise the annular ridge 42,which radially projects from the tubular element 81. The annular ridge42 may comprise, in particular, at least one reaction surface 82configured to act as an abutting surface axially retaining the tamperevident band 203 when the axial thrust element 45 pushes the capsule 200downwards to cause the breakage, as seen in the previous examples.Specifically, such reaction surface 82 may be extended in acircumferential direction (in either a continuous or non-continuousmode).

The annular ridge 42 shown in the examples in FIGS. 19-22, may besimilar, in particular, to that in the previous examples.

The reaction surface 82 may comprise, in particular, an externaldiameter larger than an internal diameter of the tamper evident band203, so as to axially retain the tamper evident band and allow thebreakage of the frangible arrangement 201.

The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, a sensorarrangement 49 (not shown in FIGS. 19-22, but provided in theseexemplary embodiments) configured to detect at least one force appliedby the axial thrust element 45 to the capsule 200. Each of the measuringapparatuses in FIGS. 19-22, therefore, comprises a sensor arrangementfor measuring the pull-off force of the frangible arrangement, whichsensor arrangement may be, in particular, similar to the ones describedin the previous examples.

The measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 19 (as well as those illustratedin FIGS. 20-22) may comprise, in particular, the various elements (as awhole or in part) of the measuring apparatuses previously described, notshown for the sake of simplicity. Specifically, it is possible that theexemplary measuring apparatuses shown in FIGS. 19-22 are not providedwith the cutting device 64, since as will be better explainedhereinafter in the description, in these examples, the removal, ordischarge, of the tamper evident band following the breakage of thefrangible arrangement, and the resulting separation of the capsule, iscarried out by disengaging the tamper evident band from, or moving thetamper evident band out of, the annular ridge 42 without cutting ortearing, or otherwise opening the tamper evident band, but leavingintact the closed annular shape of the band itself.

The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, a banddisengagement arrangement configured to cause at least one relativemovement between the annular ridge 42 and the tamper evident band 203following the breakage of the frangible arrangement 201.

The aforesaid relative movement may comprise, in particular, either aradial widening of the tamper evident band 203 (as in the examples inFIGS. 19 and 20), or a radial collapse of the annular ridge 42 (as inthe example in FIGS. 21 and 22), or both (namely both a radial wideningof the tamper evident band 203, and a radial collapse of the annularridge 42).

As a result of the aforesaid relative movement, the tamper evident band203 shall remain intact, i.e., with a closed annular shape, and may havean internal diameter larger than an external diameter of the annularridge 42, at least for the time necessary to have the tamper evidentband 203 disengaged from, or moved out of, the annular ridge 42, and tohave the possibility of removing the tamper evident band 203, still withits closed annular shape.

The band disengagement arrangement may comprise (as in the examples inFIGS. 19 and 20) a radial thrust portion configured to radially widenthe tamper evident band 203 outwards (a part of the tamper evident band203 that has been widened by the band disengagement arrangement is shownin FIG. 19, indicated by dashed line).

Specifically, the radial thrust portion may be moved so as to assume atleast a first contracted configuration, in which the radial thrustportion is arranged radially inside the reaction surface 82 (namelyinside the tamper evident band held by the annular ridge and not yetradially widened), and at least a second expanded configuration, inwhich the radial thrust portion is moved radially outwards with respectto the first configuration, to radially push and radially widen thetamper evident band 203 so as to move the band beyond the annular ridge42, without breaking the band, this remaining intact in its closedannular shape. FIG. 19 shows, by dashed line, a part of the radialthrust portion in the second band-widening configuration.

The radial thrust portion may comprise, as in the example nu FIG. 19,two, three or even more than three sectors 83, arranged along acircumference, each of which can be moved in a radial direction.Specifically, each sector 83 may comprise a sector extended along acircumferential arc. In the first contracted configuration, withsmaller-diameter, the various sectors 83, taken as a whole, may form asubstantially continuous cylindrical shape.

The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, an actuator device(not shown) configured to drive a movement of the radial thrust portionbetween the first configuration and the second configuration. Theseactuator device may comprise, in particular, at least one actuator.Notably, it is possible to arrange an actuator device of pneumatic type.In particular, it is possible to arrange one or more linear actuators.It is possible to arrange an actuator that actuates all sectors 83(e.g., through a movement transmission mechanism). It is possible thateach sector 83 may be operatively connected to, and actuated by, arespective actuator.

The radial thrust portion may comprise, as in the example of FIG. 20, aninternal profile 84 configured for contact with an external counterprofile 85 supported by said axial thrust element 45, such that anupward motion of the axial thrust element 45 causes a radial thrustoutwardly of the radial thrust portion as a result of the contactbetween the internal profile 84 and the external counter profile 85.

The aforesaid internal profile 84 may be, in particular, arranged on oneend of one, two or more than two elastic elements 86 configured toelastically return to the rest position towards the first configuration(with a reduced diameter).

In particular, the internal profile 84 may be arranged on a lower end ofa circumferential arrangement of elastic elements 86, arranged aroundthe vertical axis. Each elastic element 86 may comprise, in particular,an elastic tab elongated in an axial direction. The internal profile 84may be obtained, as in the example in FIG. 20, from a plurality ofprofile portions each of which is arranged on a respective elasticelement 86. The external counter profile 85 may be made, as in theexample in FIG. 20, from a flared (e.g., truncated cone-shaped) portionof the axial thrust element 45 such that this thrust element has adiameter variation from a larger diameter, in an element part arrangedin a lower position, to a smaller diameter, in an element part arrangedin an upper position.

Specifically, each elastic element 86 may comprise a wall portion of thesame tubular element 81, as in the example in FIG. 20. Each elasticelement 86 may turn out to be defined, on two opposite sides, by twopass-through openings, or notches, obtained on the portion wall of thetubular element 81, such that the circumferential arrangement will beformed by a series of vertical elastic elements 86 spaced out by wallportions that have no internal profile 84 and are not intended forexpansion, with a series of vertical pass-through openings defining theseparation interface between the expandable vertical elastic elements 86and the fixed wall portions. Each pass-through opening or notch maycomprise, in particular, a very thin slot, such that the aforesaidcircumferential arrangement of expandable elastic elements 86 spaced outwith fixed wall portions may give rise to an outer surface (here,cylindrically-shaped) of the tubular element 81, which can be consideredvirtually continuous and substantially free of any relevantinterruptions.

After the breakage of the frangible arrangement 201, the thrust element45 (starting from a lower position, similar to the one illustrated inFIG. 19) moves upwards. In the example in FIG. 20, the upward movement,that continues until a configuration (upper position, not shown) inwhich the counter profile 85 interacts through contact with the profile84, causes a radial expansion of the elastic elements 86 outwards, and,as a result, the ejection, through disengagement, of the tamper evidentband 203 out of the annular ridge 42 (without any breakages in the band,this remaining intact in its closed annular shape). In this upperconfiguration, the part of the thrust element 45 having the largerdiameter keeps the elastic elements 86 in a widened position, wherebythe band is removed outwards.

After the disengagement or the removal of the band, the thrust element45 moves once again downwards until it reaches an intermediate position(FIG. 20, on the right, where the term “intermediate” is to beunderstood with reference to the lower position, which is reached tobreak the frangible arrangement, and to the upper position, which isreached to disengage the tamper evident band), for a new measuring cyclefor the pull-off force of the frangible arrangement of another capsule.

The band disengagement arrangement may comprise a collapsible portion 87of the tubular element 81, as in the example in FIGS. 21 and 22. Theannular ridge 42 may be, in particular, arranged on the collapsibleportion 87. Such collapsible portion 87 may be constructed, inparticular, similarly to the elastic elements 86 in FIG. 20, with thedifference that here the annular ridge 42 is arranged on the collapsibleportion 87, whereas in the example in FIG. 20, the annular ridge 42 is afixed element, and the movable element, which can be expanded byincreasing its own diameter to act as an outward radial pusher, isrepresented by an elastic wall portion of the tubular element 81.

Furthermore, such collapsible portion 87 may be capable of assuming anexpanded band-retention configuration (illustrated in FIG. 22, on theleft), in which the reaction surface 82 of the annular ridge 42 iscapable of axially retaining the tamper evident band 203, and acollapsed release configuration (illustrated in FIG. 22, on the right),in which the reaction surface 82 of the annular ridge 42 curves radiallyinwards, thus decreasing its own diameter with respect to the expandedlarger-diameter retention configuration. In the collapsed releaseconfiguration, the annular ridge 42 may release the tamper evident band203.

The collapsible portion 87 may be configured, in particular, to assumethe collapsed release configuration after the breakage of the frangiblearrangement 201 caused by the axial thrust element 45. After thebreakage of the frangible arrangement 201, the thrust element 45 movesupwards. The upward movement, that continues until a configuration inwhich it no longer internally counteracts the collapsible portion 87,namely a configuration similar to the one shown in FIG. 22 on the right,causes the collapse of the collapsible portion 87, whereby the latterelastically moves to the contracted smaller-diameter rest position, dueto the absence of any internal counteraction.

The collapsible portion 87 may comprise one, two or more than twolongitudinal elastic elements 88 extending vertically in length, as inthe example in FIGS. 21 and 22. Each elastic element 88 may beconfigured to move to the rest position in the collapsed releaseconfiguration.

The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, an abutmentarrangement arranged to maintain the elastic elements 88 in theaforesaid expanded configuration for retaining the tamper evident band,whereas the axial thrust element 45 pushes the capsule 200 downwards tobreak the frangible arrangement 201.

As in this example, the abutment arrangement may comprise the same axialthrust element 45, which will be configured to (sequentially) assume anintermediate position (to allow the insertion of the tamper evident bandin the annular ridge), a lower position (to obtain the thrust on thecapsule and the breakage of the frangible arrangement) and an upperposition (to obtain the collapse of the annular ridge and allow thedisengagement of the tamper evident band).

In the intermediate position (shown, for example, in FIG. 22, on theleft, or in FIG. 20, on the right), the axial thrust element 45 cancounteract the elastic elements 88 so as to maintain them in theexpanded retention configuration.

In the intermediate position, the axial thrust element 45 allows to liftthe capsule 200 (as described in the previous examples, in particular bymeans of a lifting device which lifts the capsule) to engage the tamperevident band 203 in the annular ridge 42. The aforesaid lifting devicemay be found in all examples in FIGS. 19-22.

In the lower position (shown, for example, in FIG. 19), the axial thrustelement 45 may still be capable of counteracting the elastic elements 88so as to maintain them in the expanded retention configuration, afterthe axial thrust element 45 itself has pushed the capsule 200 downwards.

In the upper position (shown, for example, in FIG. 22, on the right),the axial thrust element 45 is positioned such that the elastic elements88 can freely collapse (by elastically moving to a smaller-diameter restposition) towards the collapsed band release configuration.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show another exemplary measuring apparatus, in which theradial thrust portion comprises a thrust profile 90 attached to theaxial thrust element 45. The thrust profile 90 may, in particular,radially protrude from the axial thrust element 45. The thrust profile90 may be, in particular, arranged on a plurality of elements orattachments, in particular having a flat, laminar or plate-like shape,firmly supported by the axial thrust element 45 and radially protrudingfrom an outer surface of the thrust element itself.

The thrust profile 90 may be, in particular, configured so as toradially widen the tamper evident band 203 outwards as a result of adownward movement of the axial thrust element 45 (see, for example, themovement that may be seen from the left part to the right part in FIG.23).

The thrust profile 90 may be, in particular, inserted into one or morevertical slots 91 obtained in the tubular element 81 so as to allow thevertical movement in both directions of the axial thrust element 45. Thethrust profile 90 may comprise, in particular, at least one thrustsurface having a circumferential arrangement. The thrust surface mayhave, in particular, an inverted flared shape, that is inclined so as tobe wider towards the top.

As in the shown example, the thrust profile 90 may comprise a pluralityof distinct profile portions arranged circumferentially, each of thembeing inserted in a respective slot 91 obtained in the tubular element81.

When the axial thrust element 45 moves downwards to perform the pull-offtest for the frangible arrangement of the tamper evident band 203, thethrust profile 90 supported by the axial thrust element 45 also movesdownwards, and delivers, owing to its shape, a radial thrust actiontowards the tamper evident band 203, after the breakage of the frangiblearrangement, so as to widen the band itself and allow it to be removedand ejected out the annular ridge 42.

As regards the examples in FIGS. 19-24, the apparatus may comprise alifting element, such as the lifting element 53, configured to transportthe capsule 200 at least from a lower position, in which the capsule isfar from the annular ridge 42, to an upper position, in which the tamperevident band 203 of the capsule has passed the annular ridge 42 and canbe retained axially by the latter.

As regards the examples in FIGS. 19-24, the apparatus may comprise anaxial thrust portion 89 (see FIG. 19 or 23) configured to axially pushthe tamper evident band 203 downwards, after the band disengagementarrangement caused the aforesaid relative movement between the annularridge 42 and the tamper evident band 203, that is after the externalremoval of the tamper evident band out of the annular ridge 42. Thisaxial thrust portion 89 may comprise, in particular, an annular-shapedpusher, axially movable in the vertical direction, in particularcontrolled by an actuator device. In any case, in order to promote themoving away of the tamper evident band, which is kept in its closedannular shape, one may provide a different type of pusher device, e.g.,a blowing device to jet air or another gas.

Referring to all embodiments described above, the measuring apparatuscomprises an electronic control and management device (for example, atleast a CPU or an electronic processor) with a data processing system.Each measuring apparatus described herein can be networked to allow dataexchange with the outside world. Each measuring apparatus may be, inparticular, connected to at least one operating system provided with atleast one supervisory program, in particular to control the execution ofprograms and/or regulate the flow of operations.

The supervisory program may be, in particular, configured to provide theelectronic control and management device of the measuring apparatus withone or more operating parameters of the various actuators (or work“recipes”), and to store one or more data detected by the varioussensors. The supervisory program may be, for example, applied to asingle production line including the measuring apparatus, in particularwhere the latter actually turns out to form part of the production line.In other examples, the supervisory program may be applied to a plant asa whole, which includes two or more production lines. In such case, themeasuring apparatus may be used as a stand-alone apparatus, for examplein a laboratory not included in one of the production lines, to test theproduction of the several lines.

A ‘basic production line’, for example, may be understood to include acutting machine matched in line with a measuring apparatus.

In any case, it may be provided that the cutting machine is astand-alone machine, and that the measuring apparatus is configured tomeasure the pull-off force on a batch of capsules previously fabricatedand possibly stored. For example, the measuring apparatus may be used asa stand-alone apparatus to test several capsules obtained from differentproduction lines, even having different shapes.

The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, a user interfaceconnected to electronic control and management device, which can beconfigured such that on the user interface one may find a SPC(Statistical Process Control) report, adapted, for example, to retrieveone or more of the following data: name of the product or of theproduction lot, start time of the work cycle and/or end time of the workcycle, lot size (e.g., number of capsules in the lot), number ofcapsules processed, a predefined minimum threshold force value, etc.

The SPC report on the user interface may comprise, in particular, thedetected tear-off force (e.g., an average tear-off force value for theprocessed capsules). In particular, the SPC report on the user interfacemay comprise a minimum threshold value of the tear-off force and/or amaximum threshold value of the tear-off force. In particular, the SPCreport on the user interface may comprise the number of processedcapsules having a tear-off force lower than a minimum threshold valueand/or the number of processed capsules having a tear-off force higherthan a maximum threshold value. The SPC report on the user interface maycomprise, in particular, an indicator (e.g., an ideogram) of the testgeneral result.

The electronic control and management device may be configured, inparticular, to compare each tear-off force value detected with apredetermined minimum threshold value and/or with a predeterminedmaximum threshold value. The general result of the test may be obtainedby processing the detected data according to a predetermined algorithm,for example based on the number of capsules exceeding the minimumthreshold and/or the maximum threshold. In particular, the electroniccontrol and management device may be configured so as to provide thesupervisory program with information on the correct management of theproduction line.

1. Measuring apparatus arranged for measuring the pull-off force ofconnecting elements of a capsule, said measuring apparatus including: adetecting unit arranged for obtaining the pull-off force of saidconnecting elements by measuring a plurality of tensile force values towhich said capsule is subjected in said measuring apparatus, saiddetecting unit including: a hollow gripping spindle provided with aridge to which said capsule is connectable, said ridge being configuredfor interacting with said capsule to retain axially a tamper evidentband of said capsule; a pusher device arranged for interacting with atleast one portion of an inner surface of said capsule moving along abreakage direction to impose said tensile force on said capsule in orderto cause a breakage of at least one part of said connecting elements ofsaid capsule, said pusher device being shaped to slide inside alongitudinal cavity obtained inside said hollow gripping spindle; asensor arrangement associated with said pusher means device to detectsaid plurality of values of said tensile force imposed by said pusherdevice on said portion of said inner surface during movement along saidbreakage direction; wherein said measuring apparatus further includes alifting and abutting device arranged for supplying said capsule to saiddetecting unit, said lifting and abutting device being movable along anoperating direction, having at least one component that is substantiallyparallel to and concordant with said breakage direction, and said pusherdevice being movable along said breakage direction, simultaneously sothat an abutting surface with which said lifting and abutting device isprovided is maintained at a set distance from an end wall of saidcapsule, said abutting surface cooperating with said end wall, in orderto counteract excessive tipping of said capsule during the applicationof said tensile force.
 2. Measuring apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said abutting surface is configured for restingly receiving saidend wall, said lifting and abutting device being movable along a supplydirection to push said end wall so as to supply said capsule to saiddetecting unit, said supply direction being substantially opposed tosaid operating direction.
 3. Measuring apparatus according to claim 2,wherein on said abutting surface of said lifting and abutting device anengaging groove is obtained that is arranged to engage at least oneportion of a side wall of said capsule so as to lock said capsule onsaid abutting surface during movement along said supply direction. 4.Measuring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said lifting andabutting device further includes a lifting element of cylindrical shapethat is alternatively movable along said supply direction or along saidoperating direction by means of a drive device to which it is connectedto supply alternately said capsule to said detecting unit or to abut onsaid end wall when the capsule tips excessively.
 5. Measuring apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein said lifting and abutting device isrotatable around a rotation axis by means of a drive device in order toorient a reference element of said capsule according to a desiredorientation.
 6. Measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidpusher device includes a pusher arranged for interacting with a portionof a bottom surface of said end wall, when said pusher is moved alongsaid breakage direction by an actuator of a movement device to which itis connected to impose on said bottom surface said tensile force inorder to cause a breakage of bridge elements of said connecting elementsof said capsule, said movement device being mounted to a supportstructure of said detecting unit.
 7. Measuring apparatus according toclaim 6, wherein said pusher device further includes a further pusherarranged for interacting with a portion of said bottom surface of saidend wall and a portion of an inner seal surface of a seal element ofsaid capsule or with a portion of said bottom surface and a portion ofan inner side surface of said side wall when said further pusher ismoved along said breakage direction to impose said tensile force inorder to cause breakage of at least one tether connecting element ofsaid connecting elements of said capsule, said further pusher beingslidable inside a longitudinal opening obtained inside said pusher by afurther actuator of said movement device.
 8. Measuring apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein said sensor arrangement includes a firstload cell associated with said pusher and a second load cell associatedwith said further pusher to detect values of said tensile force thatsaid pusher and said further pusher apply respectively to said surfaceportions.
 9. Measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidpusher device includes a first portion and a second portion, said secondportion being hinged on said first portion so as to be rotatable arounda hinge axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axisof said longitudinal cavity of said hollow gripping spindle, said firstportion and said second portion being aligned in an alignedconfiguration to apply said tensile force to said bottom surface tofracture at least one bridge of said connecting elements of said capsuleand said second portion rotating with respect to said first portionengaging an L-shaped portion of said inner surface having a sidearranged on said bottom surface and the other side arranged on saidinner seal surface or on said inner side surface to fracture said atleast one tether element.
 10. Measuring apparatus according to claim 1,and further including a vision system arranged for acquiring at leastone image of said tamper evident band before said capsule is connectedto said hollow gripping spindle.
 11. Measuring apparatus according toclaim 1, and further including a capsule positioning device arranged forpositioning said capsule above said abutting surface, when said liftingand abutting device is in a lowered position in which said abuttingsurface is positioned below a face of a support plate of a frame of saidmeasuring apparatus, said face being intended for supporting saiddetecting unit.
 12. Measuring apparatus according to claim 11, whereinsaid capsule positioning device includes a rotating disc mounted to saidface and provided with a seat shaped to receive and house said capsuleto be tested arranged with an end facing upwards, said rotating discbeing rotatable around a rotation axis thereof between a receivingposition in which said seat faces an inlet for said capsule and aremoving position, in which said seat is substantially coaxial with saidpusher device, in such a manner that a longitudinal axis of said capsuleis substantially parallel, in particular coinciding, with a longitudinalaxis of said longitudinal cavity of said hollow gripping spindle. 13.Measuring method for measuring the pull-off force of connecting elementsof a capsule by a measuring apparatus according to claim 1, said capsulebeing provided with a cup body defined by a side wall and by an end wallthat bounds, at one end, said side wall, said capsule further includinga tamper evident band connected to said side wall by means of saidconnecting elements including bridge elements and/or at least one tetherelement, said measuring method including the steps of: supplying acapsule to said detecting unit; connecting said capsule to said hollowgripping spindle; subjecting to tensile force said capsule by saidpusher device and detecting by said sensor arrangement values of saidtensile force; wherein said measuring method further includes the stepof: moving said lifting and abutting device along said operatingdirection and moving said pusher device along said breakage directionsimultaneously so that said abutting surface is maintained at a setdistance from said outer surface of said end wall, said abutting surfacecooperating with said outer surface of said end wall, in order tocounteract excessive tipping of said capsule during the application ofsaid tensile force.
 14. Measuring method according to claim 13, whereinsaid supplying includes arranging a capsule with said end facing upwardsabove said abutting surface when said lifting and abutting device is ina lowered position, and moving said lifting and abutting device alongsaid supply direction until said capsule is connected to said ridge ofsaid hollow gripping spindle and in which said moving said lifting andabutting device along said operating direction and said moving saidpusher device along said breakage direction includes: moving saidlifting and abutting device along said operating direction by a portionuntil the abutting surface and said outer surface of said end wall arespaced apart by said set distance; moving said pusher device along saidbreakage direction to impose said tensile force on said inner surface ofsaid capsule to break said bridge elements and together move saidlifting and abutting device along said operating direction for a firstportion during which said set distance is maintained; the step ofdetecting said tensile force values including calculating a pull-offforce value of said bridge elements, said pull-off force value of saidbridge elements coinciding with a first maximum force value detectedduring said first portion; said set distance being maintained until allsaid bridge elements have been fractured.
 15. Measuring method accordingto claim 14, and including, further, the steps of: moving said liftingand abutting device along said operating direction by a further portionuntil said abutting surface and said outer surface of said end wall arespaced apart by a further set distance; further moving said pusherdevice along said breakage direction to impose said tensile force onsaid inner surface of said capsule to break said tether elements andtogether move said lifting and abutting device along said operatingdirection for a second portion during which said further set distance ismaintained; the step of detecting said tensile force values includescalculating a pull-off force value of said tether elements, the pull-offforce value of said tether elements coinciding with a second greaterforce value detected after said first maximum force value during saidsecond portion; said further set distance being maintained until allsaid tether elements have been fractured.
 16. Measuring method accordingto claim 15, wherein said moving said pusher device along said breakagedirection includes a first step in which said first pusher is moved bymaintaining said second pusher stationary to impose a tensile force on aportion of said bottom surface of said end wall to break said bridgeelements and a second step, subsequent to said first step, in which saidsecond pusher is moved along said breakage direction by maintaining saidfirst pusher stationary to impose a tensile force on a portion of saidbottom surface of said end wall and on a portion of an inner sealsurface of a seal element of said capsule or on a portion of said bottomsurface of said end wall and on a portion of an inner side surface ofsaid side surface to break said tether elements.
 17. Measuring methodaccording to claim 13, and further including, before connecting saidcapsule to said hollow gripping spindle, the step of mutuallyapproaching said lifting and abutting device and said pusher device sothat said abutting surface and said thrust surface abut on said end wallon opposite sides in order to engage said capsule in an engaging grooveobtained on said abutting surface so that said capsule is lockedangularly.
 18. Measuring method according to claim 17, and furtherincluding, after said step of mutually approaching said lifting andabutting device and said pusher device, a phasing step of said capsuleincluding rotating said lifting and abutting device around the rotationaxis to orient said capsule on the basis of the position of a referenceelement of said capsule, the position of said reference element beingdetected by acquiring at least one image of said tamper evident band bysaid vision system.
 19. Measuring method according to claim 17, andfurther including, after said step of mutually approaching said liftingand abutting device and said pusher device, a step of inspecting saidcapsule including rotating said lifting and abutting device around therotation axis and acquiring at least one image of a zone of said tamperevident band, said rotating said lifting and abutting device and saidacquiring at least one image being able to be repeated until an image isobtained of the entire outer surface of said tamper evident band. 20.Measuring method according to claim 13, and further including the stepof analyzing said detected force values to obtain production informationon said capsule, this information being used by a main control unit tomade a modification to one or more parts of a capsule production plantin which said capsule has been fabricated, said making a modificationincluding correcting a cutting action of a cutting machine thatgenerates said tamper evident band by replacing a worn blade or makingchanges to cutting parameters of said cutting machine.